Transferring As An International Student In Minnesota

how to transfer international students in mn

International students looking to transfer to a university in Minnesota will need to meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Minnesota State University, Mankato, are some of the universities in Minnesota that accept international transfer students. Each university has its own set of criteria and application processes, which may include submitting official transcripts, completing orientation programs, providing proof of English proficiency, and meeting academic standards. International students should carefully review the requirements and deadlines for their desired university to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Characteristics Values
University Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM)
Minnesota State University, Mankato
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Requirements International transfer students must complete both International Student Orientation and Transfer Orientation
International students must complete the International Student Preparation Course
International students must attend the ISSS Check-in and Welcome Session
International students must submit official final transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
International students must submit proof of secondary school/high school graduation
International students must submit proof of English proficiency
International students must complete a credit evaluation
International students must submit a SEVIS record to MSUM
International students must fill out a Change of Campus or Change of College form
International students must submit a Certification of Finances form
International students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
International students must have earned 24 credits or more
International students must have completed 26 transferable semester credits after high school graduation

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International transfer student application deadlines

International students applying for transfer to universities in Minnesota must adhere to specific application deadlines. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, for instance, has outlined various deadlines for transfer students. The priority application deadlines for Fall 2025 transfer admission have passed, but the university is still accepting applications on a space-available basis. The final deadline for receiving an admission decision is June 1, 2025. Students who submit their complete applications by the December 1 priority deadline will receive an admission decision by January 1. Similarly, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Nursing has a priority deadline of February 1 and a final deadline of June 1.

Additionally, international transfer students at the University of Minnesota are required to complete the International Student Orientation and Transfer Orientation. They must also attend the ISSS Check-in and Welcome Session once they arrive on campus.

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) has different requirements for international transfer students. MSUM defines an international transfer student as someone transferring in 12 university credits or more from another university, regardless of its location. While MSUM does not specify application deadlines, it emphasises the importance of timely credit evaluation. International students transferring credits from outside the United States must provide a course-by-course evaluation from accredited evaluation companies, and this process should begin as soon as the student receives their visa.

Furthermore, international transfer students at MSUM must meet the same academic criteria as US transfer students, including a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students with fewer than 24 credits must provide official secondary transcripts, and those with credits from both US and non-US institutions must submit official final transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.

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Credit evaluation

International students applying to transfer to a university in Minnesota should be aware of the credit evaluation process. The specifics of the process vary depending on the university, so it is important to check the requirements of your chosen institution. Here is a general overview of the credit evaluation process for international transfer students in Minnesota:

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities evaluates transfer credits for international students to determine their applicability to the university's Liberal Education (LE) requirements. The Office of Admissions International Unit assesses coursework from institutions outside the United States to decide if they are transferable. They also determine if any courses can fulfill Liberal Education requirements. The university generally accepts transfer credits from undergraduate programs of colleges and universities recognized by the appropriate ministry or national government body in the home country or those with regional United States accreditation.

The university uses Transferology as its public transfer course database, where students can check if their courses have already been reviewed for transfer. If a course has not been evaluated, it can be submitted for review. The university provides a checklist for international transfer students, which includes submitting official final transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Once the transcripts are received, the university will send instructions for viewing the transfer credit evaluation. This evaluation outlines the courses and credits transferred, those that did not transfer, and how the transferred courses fulfill the university's liberal education requirements.

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) requires international transfer students to provide a course-by-course evaluation from specific evaluation companies, such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., or any other NACES-accredited evaluation company. The evaluation process should be initiated as soon as the student receives their visa. The evaluation costs are covered by the student, ranging from \$135 to \$185 for a Comprehensive Course-by-Course Report. MSUM defines an international transfer student as someone transferring in 12 university credits or more from another university, regardless of its location.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato, requires international transfer students to have their coursework evaluated by a professional credit evaluation agency, such as Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The ECE provides an online application for credit evaluation, and students should request the ""course-by-course" evaluation. While the ECE evaluation is not mandatory during the application process, any post-secondary work completed at a non-U.S. institution will only be considered upon receipt of the official ECE evaluation. The Degree Audit report serves as the official credit evaluation, detailing how the credits have been accepted and applied to the university's general education requirements.

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English proficiency requirements

International students applying to Minnesota State University, Mankato, from US colleges and universities must satisfy the same academic admission standards as US transfer students but must apply following the International student application process. To meet the minimum standards for English proficiency, students must provide proof of one semester or two quarters of US college-level English Composition with a minimum grade of C.

There are other methods to meet the required English proficiency. For instance, Minnesota State University Moorhead accepts course-by-course evaluations from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc; International Education Evaluation, World Education Services, SpanTran, or any other NACES-accredited evaluation company. The costs of the evaluation are paid by the student. This process should be started as soon as the student receives their visa. If a student has already completed a course-by-course evaluation from another National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, they can submit this evaluation to the MSUM Registrar's Office.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities requires international students to demonstrate a command of the English language that is necessary for success in college-level classes taught in English. All documents not issued in English must be in the original language and include a certified true (word-for-word) English translation. Official high school documents are required if the student has not completed 26 or more transferable semester credits after high school graduation at a two- or four-year post-secondary institution.

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Submission of official documents

International students applying to universities in Minnesota from U.S. colleges and universities must satisfy the same academic admission standards as U.S. transfer students but must apply following the International student application process.

Official documents are those that are original or attested copies of original academic documents mailed in a sealed, stamped envelope directly from the secondary school, college, or university, and they must have been issued within the last year. All documents not issued in English must include a certified true (word-for-word) English translation. A scanned or electronic copy of an official document is considered unofficial.

International students transferring to Minnesota State University Moorhead who wish to transfer credit from colleges or universities outside the United States must provide a course-by-course evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc; International Education Evaluation, World Education Services, SpanTran, or any other NACES-accredited evaluation company. The costs of the evaluation will be paid by the student. This process should be started as soon as the student receives their visa.

Students transferring from a U.S. college who also possess credits from an institution outside the U.S. must submit official, final transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, even if no credit was earned. Students who have earned fewer than 24 credits will need to provide official secondary transcripts.

If you have not completed 26 or more transferable semester credits after high school graduation at a two- or four-year post-secondary institution, your official high school documents will be required. In order to fulfill the University of Minnesota policy for proof of high school graduation, you must provide the Office of Admissions with an official copy of your graduation certificate and/or final secondary school transcript and/or exam results, along with official English translations. Proof of high school graduation may include exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, A-level, WAEC, HKDSE, SPM, and CISCE/CBSE.

To request a SEVIS transfer, it is the student's responsibility to request their SEVIS record to MSUM. Please contact your current school's International Student Office-DSO with the listed items before the grace period is over (60 days from your current program's end date on your I-20).

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Transfer Orientation

International Student Online Preparation Course:

Before your arrival, you must complete the International Student Online Preparation Course. This course will help you prepare for your new life at the University and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. It covers various topics, including academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and practical information about living in the United States. The course is interactive and engaging, providing you with a solid foundation for your university journey.

ISSS Check-in and Welcome Session:

Once you arrive on campus, your first step is to attend the ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) Check-in and Welcome Session. This session is mandatory for all international students and marks the beginning of your transition process. During the session, you will receive important information about your student visa, immigration regulations, and other administrative matters. It is also an opportunity to meet fellow international students and begin building your support network.

  • Meeting with an Academic Advisor: During orientation, you will schedule a meeting with an academic advisor from your college. They will guide you in selecting the right courses, understanding degree requirements, and creating an educational plan that aligns with your goals.
  • Registering for Classes: With the help of your academic advisor and the online course management tool, Canvas, you will register for your classes. You will learn how to navigate the course registration system and make informed decisions about your academic schedule.
  • Placement Exams: Depending on your major and previous academic background, you may need to take placement exams to determine your proficiency in certain subjects. These exams help ensure you are placed in the appropriate courses for your level.
  • Social Events and Networking: Transfer Orientation provides numerous opportunities to connect with other transfer students. Social events, icebreakers, and group activities facilitate friendships and help you build a strong support system as you navigate your new academic environment.
  • Campus Resource Fair: During orientation, there is usually a campus resource fair where you can learn about the various services and resources available to you as a student. This includes information about academic support, student clubs and organizations, health and wellness services, and career development opportunities.

Completing the New Student Checklist:

Before arriving on campus, you will receive access to the New Student Checklist, an interactive online tool. This checklist will guide you through various tasks, such as signing up for orientation dates, completing placement exams, and providing any additional documentation or information required for your specific program. Staying organized and completing this checklist in a timely manner will ensure a smoother transition to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Understanding Transfer Credits:

If you are transferring from another college or university, understanding how your credits will transfer is essential. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities provides access to Transferology, a free web-based system. Transferology allows you to see how your previous courses will transfer and apply to your degree program at the University. Additionally, the University will evaluate your transcripts and provide a detailed transfer credit evaluation, showing you the courses and credits that have been accepted and how they fulfill liberal education requirements.

In conclusion, Transfer Orientation at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a comprehensive and mandatory program designed to support international transfer students in their transition to the University. By participating in the International Student Online Preparation Course, attending the ISSS Check-in and Welcome Session, and engaging in the various activities during Transfer Orientation, you will gain the knowledge and connections necessary for a successful start to your academic journey. Remember to stay organized, complete your New Student Checklist, and stay informed about any specific requirements for your chosen program.

Frequently asked questions

International transfer students in Minnesota must meet the same academic standards as US transfer students. However, they must follow the international student application process. For instance, international students must achieve a cumulative US GPA of 2.0 and complete 67% of all attempted courses. They must also meet the minimum standards for English proficiency.

International transfer students must submit official final transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. They must also submit official secondary school documents if they have not completed 26 transferable semester credits after high school graduation. All documents not in English must include a certified English translation.

The deadline for fall 2025 applications is June 1. However, applicants are encouraged to confirm their enrollment as soon as possible, as spaces fill up quickly.

International students transferring credits from colleges or universities outside the US must provide a course-by-course evaluation from accredited evaluation companies such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services. The evaluation should be completed as soon as the student receives their visa and the cost is paid by the student.

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